Cole Hamels admitting he hit Bryce Harper on purpose in the first inning last night.

Major League Baseball announced it has suspended Cole Hamels for five games after the Phillies left-hander acknowledged he intentionally hit Nationals rookie Bryce Harper with a fastball during the first inning of last night's game.

The punishment, handed down by MLB senior vice president of standards and on-field operations Joe Garagiola Jr., also includes an undisclosed fine.

The five-game suspension, common for pitchers because it typically forces them to miss one start, could actually have no effect on Hamels' schedule. The Phillies have been planning to activate lefty Cliff Lee off the disabled list Wednesday, and with an off-day Thursday, they canRead more »

Exactly what you'd expect for Hamels. I'm surprised Jordan got off completely. My guess is that Jordan benefitted from Hamel's comments after the game – if you're dumb enough to admit it, you pay the price.

Phils have an off day on Thursday, so he probably would have started next on Saturday. (Though Lee's return might have pushed that back.) If he begins the five game suspension tonight, he'd be eligible to pitch on Sunday. So not much of a penalty. Still, I'm glad they took action. I guess no one in MLB headquarters had access to the Unwritten Rulebook.

I think this punishment is fine. No need to break out the tar and feathers just yet. Honestly, I love Rizzo's indignation, especially the bleeps for good measure, and I'm getting a huge kick out of all the national coverage on it, but really, it's all kind of just a big PR game. Though I didn't know exactly why, I knew the HBP was deliberate. And if I did, then plenty of others who matter more did too. I laughed when Bryce got him back the right way. And c'mon, we all know Z'nn's was deliberate too. It all would normally have been over, but now we got us a legit fracas going and it's gonna be F.U.N. But to get all bent out of shape because Hamels isn't getting the book thrown at him is just silly.

Slap on the wrist and its probably the correct judgement. Would be interesting if the suspension involved game checks for each game missed. That might make people sit up and take notice. Pretty sure that Hammels is making a decent salary this year even though his big payday is coming next year. I also think JZimm's was intentional and he was smart in not going the route Hammels went. Should be an interesting next series.Really hoping we can win 2 of 3 from the Pirates to make it 9 out of 10 series.Go Nats!!

Old school was to pitch tight to back them off not to hit them, though if they lean over the plate you hit them. That is old school, not throwing the ball a foot and half inside to hit themm.Not sure what the lesson he wanted harper to get from this.

"8 innings..1 run..the W…he came out ok"If OK includes receiving a suspension, losing money, letting down your team for one lost start, and getting hit in retribution.Suggestion: remove head from anus.

Scott from Burke said… Five games is the norm…anyone who follows baseball would know this was coming. May 07, 2012 6:29 PM ________________________You are so pompous and have that in common with Hamels. I'm sure you know that. Most get 5 games for a plunking but some thought he deserved more given his comments.

he made it easy for the league and obviously won't appeal…suppose i dont mind debating with uneducated fans but prefer trading opinions with those on are who understand baseball..if you dont like it theres the door (so to speak)

Please, can we not get into the tough guy poser routines on NI? There are few things more ridiculous than flexing, barking and name-calling in an anonymous format. Let's keep the focus on the Nationals and baseball.

1) Hamels receives a suspension, i.e., his behavior and reaction to behavior not approved by MLB.2) Cannot find defense of Hamels act in the press: either players, managers, GMs or beat writers. Charlie bemoans Hamels "honesty" but no defense of his plunking of Harper.3) To that end, didn't read any post game comments from teammates defending Hamels.4) A 19 year old's post game comments stand out as classy: "He's an All-Star. It's all good."Scott: nice defense, from out on a limb no less.

@ScottThis blog is not the place for rude attacks on other posters. If you are so sure you know more than the average poster, apply to espn. Here we like to keep it friendly, and educational for each of us and the kids. The younger fans no longer have Mr. Povich available to instruct them on the game or sportsmanship, so this site is a great place for them to learn. Try and keep that in mind when posting!

I don't know about the rest of you but I had to mute the sound last night during the ESPN broadcast. Maybe Yankee and Red Sox fans can take there stuff but I sure couldn't.Watching Mets/Philthies on the Mets feed.

Had a different approach on that Jack: I wanted to hear what the WWL had to say about this franchise, esp. Buster. It was an important "coming out" party, and I wanted to hear how they would position it for the national audience. Predictably, they spent entirely too much time on the kid, and not enough on this kids on the pitching staff (thought they would've spent more time on the rotation). And yes: they're all kids…unfortunately.

"Gutless" is too good for Mr. Good Looking. It was pure bush and totally uncalled for. The kid hadn't even batted against Hamels in his life, for crying out loud.Hamels will be perfect for Scoscia and that overpaid bunch in Anaheim. Great place for the guy. And then he never even has to come to the plate and bat.Five games was too light. Shoulda be 25. I'm still steamed off about this.

NJ, I had my radio headset on at the game, but I listened to the ESPN guys while watching video replays, and they are really bad. No insight into the game at all, and called the entire Hamels/Harper/steal of home exactly WRONG!I understand that we know more about the Nats than they do, but the number of errors I heard in just a few clips is staggering. And scary because maybe I don't know as much about an opposing team and it would be nice if they offered something.

I figured that 5 games is what he would get. After seeing Manuels reaction to the comments i am guessing the phillies want to get this over with. They were getting lots of bad publicity for this and then from some of their fans behavior

MicheleS…..work has been getting in the way but Thursday, Friday, and Saturday look like days I can get to games.Just flipped over to the Rangers/Orioles game. Where's the crowd for the team with the best record in MLB?

the worst thing about fans from philadelphia isnt the guys..the're a little rough and nasty but that's how guys are..its the women..they are disgusting drunks..and thats the pretty ones..the fat ugly ones are such trash..yeech

Please, can we not get into the tough guy poser routines on NI? There are few things more ridiculous than flexing, barking and name-calling in an anonymous format. Let's keep the focus on the Nationals and baseball.Seconded.

Wonk, first, they started in about how Hamels' fastball wasn't working and he lost control. They concluded that the HBP was probably accidental.Then they had no clue about Harper taking a big lead or any possibility of him stealing home (which Dave and Charlie mentioned right away). Then they didn't mention that Polanco could have called time out and warned Hamels. At that point the clip–mercifully–ended.

Agree that the ESPN broadcasters were terrible.However over at ESPN, Curt Schilling really tore into Hamels: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:7900788Before this whole thing I was kind of thinking it would be nice if the Nats pursued Hamels when he becomes a free agent.Doubtful that will happen now. Rizzo was absolutely furious.

Natslady – I hate to disagree with you, but I was watching ESPN and I did hear them mention that Harper was getting a very large lead at 3rd, which made me anticipate him steal. Also, Orel H immediately said the pitch from Hamels was intentional (not that it took a rocket scientist to figure that out). There was a great breakdown of Harper's steal on MLB Tonight — used the 360 degree camera to show how the play developed. Also, they measured Harper's lead from third and compared it to where Polanco was positioned. Harper was a foot or so short of being as far away from third as Polanco — that is called having great instincts.

Checked some of their boards: Several Philly fans said Hamels was not a true Philly. Now if you are saying that about your own guy who helped you win the World Series, and really is a good pitcher, well, you have to wonder. Most Philly fans didn't say that about Werth after his injury, they were sorry he got hurt and remembered him as a great player who helped them win. The contrast was striking.Not a lot of defense of Hamels, mostly just sniping at Rizzo and complaining that JZ didn't also get a suspension.

Yes, I recall them mentioning the lead, but they didn't mention that he might steal. I remember specifically because I was impressed that Dave mentioned not just the lead but also the lob throw to first when he said Harper might steal. I've never seen a steal of home on a pick-off throw to first and it would not have occurred to me.

That steal was simply amazing. The MLB coverage showed just how great it was. And I can't help but wonder if he didn't plan to do that the moment he got on base – "If Werth gets a hit, I am going to third, then I will steal home as he tries to pick off Jayson."Was Jayson in on it? Perhaps he was taking a little bit extra lead off first to draw the throw?Add to that, that that was the first steal of his MLB career, and it was really a humdinger!

I really don't like listening to the four letter network and find that their knowledge is very shallow and not thought through. I was in and out of the room, but they did make a huge deal of Utley and Howard being out for the Phils and what a HUGE difference that would make for them. Will Howard play for them this year? They did finally mention Zim being out, but did not put two and two together that we were missing our 3,4 and 5 hitters and our closer AND Brad Lidge. I am sure that they were unaware. They seem to have pat ideas about things that are not backed up by the current situations or facts. In other words – they are lazy and don't keep up. They seemed quite positive that by the second half of the season the phils, yanks, sox et al would be back in their rightful places atop their respective divisions. And Scott – i know I have been yanking your chain, all in fun – you are entitled to your opinion but there is no need to insult any of our imaginary friends no matter how much you disagree with them. We are all passionate amateurs but a lot of us really do go back a ways and know a few things.

ehay, there was some discussion earlier of Werth and Harper going over video of various pitchers' moves, including Hamels's, noting that he's not particularly quick to first. Bo Porter was apparently in on the pregame conversation, also.

Ehay2k. Good thought about Werth drawing throws to give the kid the chance to steal. It may have been a wider conspiracy than I had previously believed. And you can bet the ESPN crew didn't mention it…

DL in VA, wow, I didn't read that one. Thanks for the link. Much milder on MLB.com, which can get pretty dicey sometimes. Maybe the moderator took the extreme ones off MLB.com and I didn't see them.I did feel originally that Hamels should have gotten 10 games and JZ 5, in recognition that Hamels started it, without apparent provocation, but that if MLB really wants to stop it, they needed to give something to JZ also. I think not giving JZ any penalty might inflame the situation.

I was so shocked that Charlie and Dave would SUGGEST a steal could be coming, and then it happened, just like they called it. I'm so glad I happened to hear that one inning on the radio instead of the TV show. I, too, wish that a five game suspension actually meant the pitcher lost five games. He is on my permanent bad list, that Hamels fella (and I'm sure he's bereft at the thought of it — LOL).

LOL Soul Possession, that might be hard to enforce. Not sure if there is a "Ban for X Days" button on Mark Z's admin console. I am hoping we can police ourselves. There really is no need for name calling, or getting upset when someone disagrees with you to the point where you tear them down rather than reinforce your argument. I read some of the other sports blogs and am so glad that we have this one (that Crossing Broad site gets a zero from me.)Needed a day off. The Caps are playing, and I am actually watching that game. Took a while to find it thanks to the NHL's abysmal media package (When did Versus become the NBC Sports Network?). If they can't get their playoff games on broadcast television, then the NHL really needs a new commissioner. Zimm comes back along with ALR tomorrow. Should be a good series. Still wish the Pirates would have continued to dump players long enough for us to get McCutcheon! I like that kid. GYFNG, but rest up first!

Baseball rewards liars: It's the Code. Hamels broke the code – he told the truth. "I cannot tell a lie, I threw at him; welcome to the big leagues." Resulting in 5 game suspension.Zimmerman: Did not break the code: "I didnt throw at Hamels; the pitch got away." This lie resulted in a pat on the head.Too bad. I understand Rizzo needing to protect his investment — but that is Old Baseball. And such great Theatre it Is (or was).

Jordan's command was not good. He walked 4. Has he ever done that? Hamels gave up only the one stolen run. He was in complete control. Plus, jordan is not a narcisstic jerk. If he was going to plunk it would have been someone else and not in the knee. He had a tough night with the pitching.

I had a busy day and just now got through required reading across the internet. … wow. Is it wrong that I just read 8 stories on the Post website, but came here to post?On Werth: Get well soon. Love hearing that he both heard and vows to remember the Phillie fan taunts as he walked off the field hurt last night. Shame on those people.On Harper: Wow, wow, wow… Stealing home and stealing our hearts with professionalism and class.On Rizzo: Go get em tiger! On Hammels: idiot.On Manual: If you orchestrated it – shame. If you tolerated or condoned it – shame. If you failed to control it, get your act in gear. On replacing Werth in the outfield: Don't try to do it with players on the roster. Show you support the current players by getting them some help.There. I think I feel better now.

Mets win. Fillies lose.And, thanks my imaginary friends here, when the Fillie Phans were chanting "Let's go Phillies", I got a coupla folks in my area to drown them out with "Last place Phillies".The Fils are now 1.5 behind the second-to-last team, and 5 games behind the Nats.Time to take care of business in Pittsburgh!

The net result is this: Cole Hamels just added to the legend that is Bryce Harper. When the annals of history are written, there will be an interesting trivial question: what was Bryce Harper's first stolen base? Home. What punk pitcher allowed a 1 week old big leaguer to steal home on him? Cole Hamels.

ooooo, I didn't know this:Two summers ago, Harper raced home on the same play – left-handed pitcher, man on first, languid pickoff move – back-dooring a junior college pitcher in Grand Junction, Colo., just as he did Hamels in D.C.

The more I read about "The Plunking" (its literally everywhere) the more I'm convinced Hamels acted on his own. Both the Dodgers and D-Backs pitchers had many opportunity to "welcome" Harper with a plunking, yet they did not. To me that's pretty telling. It was a very strange, uncalled-for act on Hamels' part. Drilling a kid because he is a hyped rookie? Very stupid decision by Cole.There is no doubt in my mind that Jordan's HBP was retaliation.He specifically targeted Hamels, rather than any of their position players, probably because the Nats (the veterans, no doubt) were extremely angry. They all knew Harper was intentionally hit for no other reason than to show him up. Zimmermann retaliated.These Nats seem to have perfect chemistry. That, as well as the pitching and attitude should carry them far I believe.That's my opinion anyway :DGo Nats!

Phills lose = Awesome!Braves lose = Cool!Marlins won = Blah. The Marlins wont be a factor in the division anyway.In the end I think the NL East will probably come down to the Nats and Braves.Even trying to be objective on Philly is hard for me But they are definitely on the decline. Even Halliday and Lee are showing their age.

Of course they were angry! Schooling Harper is their job, and a d@@@ fine job they are doing, by all accounts–Harper hasn't stepped out of line once since he's been up. Who elected Hamels pope? And yes, JZ went for Hamels, at some risk, putting a man in scoring position in a 1-run game, and also getting the ump's warning so he couldn't really pitch inside.

NatsLady said… Of course they were angry! Schooling Harper is their job, and a d@@@ fine job they are doing, by all accounts–Harper hasn't stepped out of line once since he's been up. Who elected Hamels pope? And yes, JZ went for Hamels, at some risk, putting a man in scoring position in a 1-run game, and also getting the ump's warning so he couldn't really pitch inside. May 07, 2012 11:13 PM ______________________________You said it well. I think JZim going after that punk Hamels messed up JZim's mojo.

Gonat said… Braves just lostWhich means that Wednesday morning, no matter what happens, the Nats will be alone in first place.(Yes, yes, I know, they are only 1 game in front, but even a Nats loss and Braves win tomorrow – they will be ahead by winning pct.)

Oh, and there's this from WaPo:In an e-mail to the Post, Werth said Phillies fans in right field at Nationals Park taunted him as he walked off the field Sunday night. And he will remember them during his rehab.“After walking off the field feeling nauseous knowing my wrist was broke and hearing Philly fans yelling ‘You deserve it,’ and, ‘That’s what you get,’ I am motivated to get back quickly and see to it personally those people never walk down Broad Street in celebration again,” Werth wrote.

Side bar. Don't rule out the Marlins or the Phillies as contenders by year end. This could be one of those years where four teams from the same division are over .500. Although that will depend on how each fares during inter league. If Halladay, Hamels, and Lee all get hot the evil could rise. If the Marlin bats come alive they could hang in there too. And the Braves have a lot going for them. There's no running away with this division. Still, the team is looking tough. Zimmerman, Harper, and Laroche are formidable. If the others can do enough to support until Morse comes back the team should start scoring more runs.

If at all possible, Nats fans should make it a point to take over the right field seating area when Werth comes back and Philly is in town.Werth is the most heckled National by far (even by some so-called Nats fans), and we shouldn't allow that at Nats Park.

Cwj, I bought 4 tix to Sunday's game in sec 140 just to start Nats Fans taking over the RF bleachers. It was an "interesting" evening, to say the least. My season tix are below the press box, and though I''m not ready to switch, I will buy some RF seats for the next Phillies/Nats series. We need some slightly refined version of the Bleacher Creature type outfield "club" at Nats Park.

I've always thought that MLB should make Hamels wait to serve his sespention vs. the team he threw out. In other words, wouldn't it be nice if MLB made Hamel miss the next Nationals series. Just a thought. I know this isn't the case, I just think it would be great adjustment, rather than the team starting him, and then dropping an appeal to fit where they want it.